9 takeaways: Oluokun’s red-zone INT seals Falcons’ 20-16 win

The Atlanta Falcons had fans covering their eyes in the final seconds of Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions as backup quarterback Tim Boyle nearly completed a fourth-quarter comeback.

With less than a minute left and the Lions in the red zone, Boyle was picked off by linebacker Foye Oluokun to seal a 20-16 Falcons victory. Here are nine takeaways from Week 16.

Lions wouldn't die, Falcons keep surviving

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

This was a game the Falcons should be grateful to have won, despite Detroit’s 2-12-1 record this season. The Lions were playing without starting quarterback Jared Goff and running back D’Andre Swift, but they just wouldn’t go away. You can see why Dan Campbell gets so much respect as his team was prepared, scrappy and in position to pull of another upset with a backup quarterback.

On the flip side, this was another encouraging win for Arthur Smith as the Falcons didn’t play their best. Somehow, Atlanta is 7-8 and in the thick of the wild-card race with two games left. You can’t ask for much more considering this roster’s overall talent level.

Oluokun helps Atlanta avoid disaster

Oluokun played his best game of the season, making a big stop early in the game and finishing it with a clutch interception to seal the win. Sure, it was against Lions QB Tim Boyle and you can argue the Falcons should have already put the game away, but as we talked about coming in, this Lions team is scrappy. Even without their starting quarterback and running back, they gave Atlanta a real scare. Oluokun gets the game ball for this one.

First home win under Arthur Smith

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Yes, the Falcons technically had a win at home this season coming into Sunday’s game, but it took place in London. Atlanta was 0-5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium prior to today’s victory. Meanwhile, Detroit has now dropped to 0-7 on the road. Smith somehow has his team in the playoff hunt with just one win at home. Hopefully, the Falcons can build some confidence and improve what has been a non-existent home-field advantage in Atlanta.

Pitts' big day

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The rookie Pro Bowl TE caught six of six targets for 102 yards (17 yards per reception). For the season, Pitts has 949 receiving yards and is well on his way to passing Mike Ditka for the most yards ever by a rookie tight end.

Koo comes through

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If we’re going to talk Pro Bowl snubs, Younghoe Koo made his case on Sunday. During a game in which points were at a premium, Koo made field goals from 48 and 53 yards. His steady foot has helped the Falcons squeak by all season and Koo deserves credit for Atlanta’s four-point win.

Ryan keeps climbing record books

This was the kind of game where Ryan’s performance will be overlooked but he played smart, winning football for the most part. He missed a few throws but didn’t turn the ball over and delivered when it mattered most. Oh yeah, and Ryan’s 366th touchdown ties Eli Manning for ninth all-time in NFL history.

C-Patt scores his 11th TD of the season

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Patterson recorded his 11th touchdown of the season, this time on the ground. The converted kick returner may have been snubbed from the Pro Bowl but his value is well known in Atlanta. Patterson had a rough day on the ground with very little running room, but per usual, he made a critical play in what was a low-scoring game.

Offensive line has rough day

(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Falcons rushed for just 47 total yards, and struggled to slow the Lions defensive line in pass protection. Right tackle Kaleb McGary had another tough day, as did most of the team’s offensive line. Atlanta allowed three sacks to a Detroit team that doesn’t exactly have Ndamukung Suh out there.

What's next for Atlanta?

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Atlanta will head to Buffalo in Week 17 for a winter matchup against the 9-6 Bills. This has looked like one of the toughest games on the schedule all season, and it’s coming after Buffalo’s 33-21 win over the Patriots to take the lead in the AFC East. Regardless, the Falcons must find a way to win if they want that last wild-card seed.

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